04 March 2007
Sarah Mattea
Just About Sarah Strive: Tell me a little about yourself? Where are you from, Brothers/Sisters, Children, Affiliations, Marital Status or anything else? Sarah: I was born in New Berlin, Wisconsin, but grew up in a small town in Michigan with a population of about 800 people. I couldn't WAIT to get to the big apple and have dreamt about it since I was a child! I have been here in NYC for ten years now all on my own making every day count. I am a Corporate Real Estate Agent by day, handling leasing for luxury high rise developments… and a Superstar by night baby!!! My producer Darren Wilsey and I have musical credits on HBO's "Sex and the City" and various NBC and ABC Television Shows including the "Ghost Whisperer" to "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" , MTV's movie "Everybody's Doing It" and the soundtrack for the new TV series "Boystown", which is now on iTunes. Also, five of the songs from our "PLATINUM" CD which is available at www.DarrenWilsey.com have been licensed by Paramount Home Entertainment for inclusion in November 7 th,2006 release of Beverly Hills 90210: The Complete First Season and Melrose Place. Beverly Hills 90210 "Sometimes" (Episode 4) "Precious You" (Episode 10) Melrose Place "Precious You" (Pilot) "Adore" (Episode 13) "Turn Around" (Episode 14) "Fade Away" (Episode 23). We are currently working on some more multimedia projects that are sure to please listeners of every age. Last year I was also featured on a compilation album produced by Alexander Perls called "Soundwaves" on Warner Music Japan. Currently, I have recorded a MASSIVE REMAKE from the 80's with the world renowned DJ Peter Presta that is about to hit airwaves VERY SOON!!! Strive: How did you get started? Have you always wanted to do this? Where did the inspiration and passion come from? Sarah: Vocally, I have been classically trained since the age of 13. I have always had a passion for music of many genres. I started recording professionally in 1999, when I wrote a song called "DREAMS", inspired by DJ Eddie Baez, which was produced by Alex and Leo Baskin and Artie Cabrera of "JAXONHYTZ", and was ultimately signed to Groovilicious Records. I have also been fortunate enough to be mentored and influenced by legendary artists such as Christopher Williams, Horace Brown and the one and only ICE-T. I come from a long line of musicians in my family dating back to the days of Vaudeville. My great aunt was an accomplished Opera singer in Czechoslovakia, along with a few great songwriters! I guess you could say it's in the genes! I recently decided to change my name to better suit "WHO I AM" as an artist. I am formerly known as Sarah Lovely for those of you who don't know me personally, and I am entering into a very powerful time in my life right now and needed a name equally as powerful. What's in a name?? EVERYTHING!!!!! For those of you who do not know me personally, my background is German, Czech and Dutch-Canadian. I have chosen the last name of my Great Great Grandmother...Dena Matthee. The name " MATTEA" pronounced ( muh- TAY) means "Gift of God" or "God's Gift". I consulted with my grandmother before we decided to change the spelling!! This is significant for me not only because it comes from my ancestors, but I truly believe I have been given the gift of music and voice that I will share with the world!!! Strive: What jobs did you hold before you became successful? Sarah: Oh man I've had every job in the book from Bartending, Waitressing, Personal Training, Travel Agent, Telemarketer, Spa Manager, Bookkeeper, Reservationist, You name it I've done it!! Strive: Who influenced you the most in your career/life when you were starting out? Is there anyone's path that you particularly admire and would like to emulate? Sarah: I would have to say my family and peers. When I was a little girl people would say "Look at Sarah! She has stars in her eyes! Look!" . My friends would push me to keep striving and I did. I admire Madonna the most because she has reinvented herself so many times it is immeasurable. She has managed to stay on top of her game for years and that is what I plan to accomplish! The STRIVER in You Strive: What signifies a STRIVER to you? Sarah: Never stopping and doing everything humanly possible to fulfill your dreams and aspirations. It's ok to have a little bit of tunnel vision when you have a dream!! I hold that perfect vision of who I aspire to be in my mind and I will not stop until I have reached the top. YOU MUST BELIEVE TO ACHIEVE. Perseverance, positive energy and determination go along way!!!! I Strive to be happy every day ! Strive: What makes you original or sets you apart? Why are you on top of your game? Sarah: I am very resilient my friends… I have managed to bounce back time after time, hardship after hardship. Everything seems to be set in motion now, the time is right, my voice and drive is stronger than ever and I am very excited to see where I go from here! Strive: How do you define success? People often talk about "Making IT", but when will you consider yourself as having made it? Sarah: I truly believe success comes from within, and how you feel about yourself, but the day I can travel and sing and change lives with my music is the day I have MADE IT. To Our Readers Strive: Do you see any changes or patterns in the industry and what is your opinion of that? What is the insider perspective on getting ahead in your industry? Sarah: There isn't too much interest in artist development anymore. You have to already have a winning product and have people interested to get the heavy hitters to look at you. So create a buzz and get noticed that's the key. Strive: What advice would you give others attempting to make their dreams come true? What are your 3 lessons for success? Or what is your recipe for success? Sarah: I would have to say set realistic goals, and make sure you know about the business you are in. Knowledge is power. ICE-T once told me something like "If you keep using the same ingredients you keep baking the same cake. If you want to succeed… you've got to change your ingredients. Don't be afraid to try new things or a different approach and listen to people who have MADE IT. Last Words Strive: What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning and what is the last thing you think of at night. Sarah: Becoming a superstar baby!! If you want something, you have to act and do as if you already have it. I am a star 24/7!! Strive: What do you know for sure? Sarah: I know there is nothing else in the world I would rather do than to use my music to change lives and bring a smile to the world. That I know for sure. Strive: Any last overall advice? Sarah: Appreciate everything life throws your way, even the bad. Because those "bad" things are just lessons in disguise. But most of all don't forget all the people who have helped you along the way, without those people you wouldn't have what you have today. Stay strong and true to your beliefs… they'll help you go far!!!
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